Cricket Carnival’s impact extends way beyond the ‘boundary’
AMONGST the many things that define the Guyanese people, be it their language, cuisine, or hospitality, one element that is deeply rooted in the genetic makeup of the population is undoubtedly their love for cricket.
A wooden bat and a leather-covered ball have, over the years, brought Guyanese people together, transcending race, creed, and religion in support of one team: the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW).
The Caribbean Premier League (CPL), an annual Twenty20 cricket tournament, is the region’s most elite sporting event. At the CPL, stars from the world of cricket participate, hoping to become champions in one of the sport’s most entertaining competitions.
Since Guyana began hosting the semi-final and final matches of the CPL in 2022, the highly anticipated tournament has significantly
boosted the country’s economy, generating over US$84 million in 2022 and surpassing US$101 million in 2023.
Guyana’s visitor arrivals have increased by a staggering 131 per cent from 2022 to 2023, with over 4,000 people entering the country during the CPL games alone.
Supporters of the Amazon Warriors filled hotels and restaurants, creating substantial opportunities for local businesses to thrive.
As a result of this influx, Guyana has seen a rise in the construction of Airbnbs, local hotels, bed and breakfasts, and guest houses to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Additionally, the government has initiated talks to build prefabricated housing units to host tourists during the CPL, addressing the high demand for accommodation.
This year, as the Amazon Warriors look to defend their title, anticipation is high among both locals and foreigners. The games began on
August 29, in Antigua and Barbuda, and the Amazon Warriors played their first game on August 30, recording an astounding victory.
From September 20, visitors and Guyanese alike will gather at the Guyana National Stadium to rally behind their favourite team, the Amazon Warriors. In preparation for the matches, there has been a noticeable surge in ticket sales, with long queues at the local box office.
Meanwhile, hotel rooms and Airbnb listings have been booked months in advance. Vendors, transportation services, and restaurants are also gearing up to benefit from the influx of visitors and the activities surrounding the CPL, such as the Cricket Carnival.
During the two-week carnival, visitors enjoy music festivals, cultural shows, soca competitions, road-march competitions, and organised tours, further contributing to the local economy.
While the economic ben-
efits of the CPL are evident, so too is the unwavering support of ExxonMobil Guyana for the Guyana Amazon Warriors.
Entering its eighth consecutive year of sponsorship, ExxonMobil’s commitment to supporting national events of this nature is a strong reminder of its dedication to enhancing Guyana’s non-oil sector. Beyond the economic impact, the sport’s presence in Guyana fosters unity, camaraderie, and a sense of pride for all Guyanese.
As the main sponsor of
the team, ExxonMobil Guyana has played a fundamental role in shaping the Warriors’ journey over the years.
The oil giant has been consistent in underscoring its commitment to supporting sports and significant national observances in Guyana. As such, the company recently launched its ‘Is We Own Again’ promotion in collaboration with the Guyana Amazon Warriors, running from August 10 to September 27, 2024.
The “Is We Own Again” promotion offers numerous
ways for participants to enter and win amazing prizes. Some of the prizes up for grabs include Samsung Galaxy Flip devices, tickets for the games with your crew, exclusive Amazon Warriors merchandise, and more. Cricket in Guyana has birthed more than just champions and an expanding economy; it has mirrored the resilience of a people, shaped the definition of what it means to support ‘we own’, and rejuvenated the spirit of togetherness.
Amongst the many things that define the Guyanese people, be it their language, cuisine, or hospitality, one element that is deeply rooted in the genetic makeup of the population is undoubtedly their love for cricket
Will the Guyana Amazon Warriors retain the CPL title this year?
AS the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) rolls around again, cricket fans are buzzing with anticipation. Last year, the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) clinched the title, delivering a performance that combined both skill and resilience. But can they repeat that
success in the current season?
The Amazon Warriors showcased a well-rounded team in
Continued on page 4A
As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) rolls around again, cricket fans are buzzing with anticipation (Photos courtesy of the Guyana Amazon Warriors official Facebook page)
Will the Guyana Amazon Warriors...
From page 3A
the previous tournament. Their bowling attack, led by a mix of experienced internationals and young talent, proved to be a formidable force.
Players like Romario Shepherd and Kevin Sinclair brought both pace and spin, making it difficult for opponents to settle at the crease.
The Warriors’ depth in bowling is crucial in T20 formats, where matches can pivot dramatically in a single over.
On the batting side, impactful players such as Shimron Hetmyer, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Kemo Paul and Shai Hope are vital. Those players have the ability to change the game with their explosive hitting. If they can find their rhythm early in the tournament, the Warriors will be a tough team to beat.
However, retaining a title is no small feat, especially in a format as unpredictable as T20 cricket. While GAW has the talent, consis -
tency is key. Last year’s triumph may set a high standard, but it also raises expectations. Teams often learn from past encounters, and rivals will be eager to exploit any weaknesses.
In particular, the competition from teams like the Trinbago Knight Riders and the Barbados Royals will be fierce. Both squads have made significant signings and possess their own strengths, which means the Warriors will have to stay sharp throughout the tournament.
The psychological pressure of being the defending champions can weigh heavily on players. While the Amazon Warriors have seasoned athletes, the need to perform under pressure is an inherent aspect of elite sports. How well they manage this pressure could very well determine their fate in the tournament.
Moreover, the unpredictability of injuries and form fluctuations cannot be underestimat-
ed. A key player underperforming or facing injury could derail a team's momentum quickly. The Warriors’ depth will be tested, and how they adapt to challenges will be telling.
While the Guyana Amazon Warriors, led by the enterprising Imran Tahir, certainly have the tools to defend their CPL title, several factors will influence their success.
Their strengths in bowling and batting give them a solid foundation, but consistency, adaptability, and the ability to handle pressure will be crucial.
As fans, we can only hope for an exciting season ahead, filled with thrilling matches that showcase the best of Caribbean cricket. Whether the Warriors can rise to the occasion and emerge victorious once more remains to be seen, but the anticipation surrounding their journey is undoubtedly palpable.
As the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) rolls around again, cricket fans are buzzing with anticipation (Photos courtesy of the Guyana Amazon Warriors official Facebook page)
Stars in the making - five young West Indians to keep look out for at CPL 2024
Jewel Andrew (Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)
A prodigy, who had reeled off five successive centuries in a schools' league and captained the Leeward Islands Under-15 side, Jewel Andrew is arguably the most exciting young talent that will be on show in CPL 2024. Andrew, now 17, could well become the youngest player ever to feature in the CPL (if he makes his debut before the playoffs). Currently, that record belongs to Nicholas Pooran who made his CPL debut at the age of 17 years and 300 days.
Earlier this year, Andrew emerged as West Indies' top scorer at the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, with 207 runs in four innings at an average of 69.00 and strike rate of 109.52. Prior to the World Cup, he was the second-highest run-getter in the Cool & Smooth T20 tournament in Antigua and Barbuda, with 323 runs in nine innings at an average of 40.38 and a strike rate of 110.62. Andrew can also keep wicket, which could give Antigua & Barbuda Falcons greater flexibility with their combination.
Matthew Forde (St Lucia Kings)
Forde isn't quite a rookie like the other four names in this list, having already broken into West Indies' T20I side and some franchise leagues, including the Lanka Premier League, Pakistan Super League and Global T20 Canada. A strong allround performance this season could propel him further into being a more regular member of West Indies' white-ball sides and even on the radar of the IPL teams.
Forde shares a birthday with Andre Russell and has modelled his game on the T20 legend. The 22-year-old is rated highly by former West Indies left-arm seamer Pedro Collins, who had originally recommended Forde's name to coach Daren Sammy at St Lucia Kings. Collins had coached Forde for a while and would often give him a lift to and from training. Forde is also one of the few bowlers in the Caribbean who can genuinely swing the new ball.
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THE 12th season of the CPL, which kicked off on August 29, features a number of T20 stars from the Caribbean as well as beyond. Here are five young players who could become future CPL - and potentially West Indies - stars.
Stars in the making - five young West...
Nathan Edward (Trinbago Knight Riders)
A left-arm quick from Sint Maarten, Nathan Edward is perhaps the missing piece in Trinbago Knight Riders' jigsaw. Knight Riders have been big on left-arm seamers in various other leagues but lacked local bowlers of this variety in the CPL.
Edward has played in two U-19 World Cups and more recently won a contract with the Leeward Islands Hurricane franchise team. Edward has had exposure outside of the Caribbean as well, having been part of Bahawalpur Royals' run to the title in Pakistan Junior League 2022.
Having been mentored by Imran Tahir during the league in Lahore, Edward will now go up against Tahir, who had led Guyana Amazon Warriors to their first CPL title last year.
Isai Thorne (Barbados Royals)
An out-and-out fast bowler, Thorne is set for his first CPL stint as a full-time player, with Barbados Royals, after having battled injuries at the age-group level. Thorne, who will turn 20 in September, has already had a brief taste of the CPL, having earned a development scholarship with Amazon Warriors last season. Thorne's extra pace and zip will complement the slower variations of Obed McCoy, Naveen-ul-Haq and Jason Holder at Royals.
In the 2023-24 Super 50 competition, Thorne made his List A debut for Combined Campuses and Colleges, emerging as their joint second-highest wicket-taker, with seven strikes in four matches. Tipped to become a future international, Thorne spent time with the West Indies Test team as a development player under Andre Coley during their tour of England earlier this year.
Kelvin Pitman
(Antigua & Barbuda Falcons)
Along with Thorne, Kelvin Pitman is among the fastest young quicks in the Caribbean. Brought in by Jamaica Tallawahs as a replacement player in CPL 2023, he had a debut to remember, taking out Mark Deyal, Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard, no less, on his way to figures of 3 for 27 in Barbados. In CPL 2024, the 21-year-old will turn out for his home franchise Falcons, having been locked in as a pre-draft signing.
After grabbing eyeballs in CPL 2023, Pitman was added to the West Indies Academy team to play against the Ireland Emerging players, both at home and away. In the lead-up to CPL 2024, he worked with Rayad Emrit, former West Indies all-rounder and St Kitts & Nevis Patriots captain, and finetuned his skills. (ESPN Cricinfo)
Flashback to the great victory: Guyana’s win seen as
THE Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Caribbean Premier League (CPL) win was a unifying display of athletic talent and culture, and patrons could look forward to a grander celebration of Cricket Carnival next year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had said.
For the first time in 10 years the country’s cricket franchise copped the 2023 CPL trophy, during an intense face-off with the Trinbago Knight Riders.
Dr. Ali, in an invited comment to the media after the exhibition of great entertainment and sport, referred to the historic win as an “uplifting moment.”
The Head of State joined thousands of Guyanese at the National Stadium, Providence, to witness the finale of the Region’s biggest cricket event.
“Any moment that brings our country together and any moment that brings us into
‘a moment of great joy’ for the
nation
that celebratory as Guyanese, lifting us and taking us forward. Uplifting moment, that is what this moment is,” Dr. Ali said.
Since the beginning of the season, the Warriors were steadfast against the opposing cricket teams.
“I think the players have a good understanding now of the impact their talent has on the general population, so I think this is a very uplifting moment. This is a moment of great joy and you know when the country is in great joy and people are happy, you can’t ask for better,” the Head of State said.
Turning his attention to the carnival aspect of the celebration, President Ali reflected on the progress of this fixture within the past year.
“This is also a moment that we spoke of a year ago, when we said we were going to host the CPL and we want
President, Dr. Irfaan Ali embraces captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors Imran Tahir
Continued
Flashback to the great victory: Guyana’s win...
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to build a product through the carnival and bring together not only cricket, but the art, culture, food, music.
“The way this … has grown in just two years speaks about the potential and we are going to continue to build on this and make this
a major aspect of our tourism product,” he added. Further expressing his elation over Guyana’s win, President Ali commended the players on their unified and technical approach to this year’s CPL season.
“I think the franchise played in great unity. The
leadership was exceptional, but the team work and the way they meshed together, the way they operated together the way they supported each other. The team had depth because every individual was playing for the collective and that is what made the big difference,” the Head
of State said.
The 2023 season served as a magnet for tourists, as Guyana recorded a 12 per cent surge in passenger arrivals for the first 20 days of September compared to the same period in 2022.
For the month of September alone, it was estimated
that approximately 36,000 passengers arrived at the airport, surpassing the previous record-breaking arrivals in 2022.
At the beginning of September, the CJIA had seen an increase of 15 per cent in passengers travelling into Guyana when compared to last year’s statistics.
This year’s Cricket Carnival saw a number of buzzing events taking place, from food festivals to music showcases and its super concert featuring internationally renowned artistes Sean Paul, Machel Montano and Shenseea.
The Guyana Amazon Warriors’ Caribbean Premier League (CPL) win was a unifying display of athletic talent and culture, and patrons could look forward to a grander celebration of Cricket Carnival next year, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali had said
Cricket Carnival is here!
THE much-anticipated Cricket Carnival is here. Guyana, over the next two weeks, will be on display, through this one of a kind, cultural festival. Here is the official Cricket Carnival Calendar of Events for 2024:
Cricket Carnival showcases unifying power
THE historic Cricket Carnival events and Caribbean Premier League (CPL) matches over the years were undoubtedly sources of unification, as persons, regardless of their race, creed, sexuality, religion and other individual features converged at the various venues to celebrate as “one people.”
In every corner of the Guyana National Stadium, the Guyana National Park or any other carnival venue, there were persons, not necessarily friends and family, sharing light conversation,
a fist bump or high five, a layman’s analysis of the cricket game, and even some friendly dance moves.
This display of cohesion was also observed at various bars and restaurants, especially when the Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) was engaging in “battle” on the cricket field.
When they weren’t collectively acknowledging a boundary or wicket, Guyanese were tasting food at the three-day Regional Food Festival, or raving together at the One Guyana Concert, the Stink and Dutty J’ouvert,
and the Super Concerts.
The road parade is usually the closing event of the Cricket Carnival, and it is no surprise that thousands of persons line the streets of Georgetown to celebrate together. Many persons even attend after parties held all over the city as a final celebration.
Reflecting on the activities, especially cricket, Ameera Majeed from the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) said that growing up, the CPL games were always on the television in her home, even when she
couldn’t fully understand the game, so she would watch it every year.
She attended her first CPL tournament back in 2016, and her second this year.
Majeed related that she went along with her friends and family to see three matches: The GAW versus Barbados Royals (BR), GAW versus Trinidad Knight Riders (TKR), and Saint Kitts and Nevis Patriots versus the Jamaica Tallawahs.
“I always say that the experience is definitely worth
it, because even if they (GAW) don’t win, when you sit in that stadium and you feel that atmosphere, it is always unmatched. You can’t get that anywhere else in the world, so, even if they did lose, it was worth the experience,” Ameera said.
Her favourite match was GAW versus TKR, as the unity among Guyanese was ever present, since it was a renowned competitor. She said that for most people, the match was most important to them, and that when GAW won, the audience went crazy with their cheering and
the music and commentating, which were all top tier.
“Everybody went ballistic, because, you know, that is a tough match when is TKR. There is always an ongoing tension between TKR and GAW. So, when we win against Knight Riders, that’s always a good feeling,” Ameera said.
Javed Nurhausain, another cricket fan, said he’d attended multiple CPL tournaments over the past years, but the vibe this year was different and exciting.
Scenes from past Cricket
Carnival / CPL activities
